Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Heavenly
Father we pray for Percy Hatfield MPP for Windsor-Tecumseh. We pray for wisdom
and strength. We ask for your hand to lead and direct him as he serves this
riding and the people of Ontario. May in all things you be glorified.

BIOGRAPHY

Percy Hatfield is a respected community leader in Windsor-Tecumseh.

A well-known television and radio personality, Percy was the CBC’s municipal affairs reporter in Windsor and he hosted his own popular TV segment, “Percy’s Political Panel.” After 30 years as a CBC broadcast journalist, he went from covering city news to creating it.Elected Councillor for Ward 7, Percy has taken the lead in working for results for the people of Windsor and Essex County. He was on the Planning and Economic Development Standing Committee bringing together Windsor and regional leaders to create jobs and economic opportunities.He served on municipal decision-making committees to take on the issues that matter to people, including public health, housing, business improvement and culture.He negotiated for Windsor and Essex County at the national level, serving three years on the board of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities. At the provincial level, Percy became the first Councillor from the Windsor region to be elected Vice-President of the Association of the Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and served on the association’s Executive Committee. He was also Chair of the Large Urban Caucus in 2011.Percy works hard to raise funds for local community groups like the Easter Seals, United Way and the Hospice. Together with his wife Gale, a school Trustee with the Greater Essex County District School Board, they support the “Do Good Divas” that recently donated more than $300,000 to local health care causes.Percy, a self-described “army brat,” grew up on military bases across Canada. He is a proud and active member of the Riverside Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion for more than 25 years.

Percy and Gale have been married for 37 years. They have two adult children, Andrew and Lacey, and two grand-daughters, Paisley and Arwen.

Monday, March 30, 2015

Lord I pray that you would surround Michael Harris MPP
for Kitchener-Conestoga with your wisdom and understanding. May you
surround him with your peace, and clarity of mind.

I pray for the constituents he represents that even
today there would be a sense of awareness that the responsibility for
Kitchener- Conestoga would not be a burden, but instead a great
privilege. May this be a year of great favor for the work You have called
him to. Amen.

BIOGRAPHYMichael was elected to the Ontario Legislature on Oct. 6, 2011, as the MPP for Kitchener-Conestoga – a diverse riding that includes the townships of Wilmot, Wellesley and Woolwich, as well as the southern section of Kitchener bordered by Highway 7/8.

Over the last year, Michael has been a tireless advocate of Waterloo Region, working with local officials to improve regional emergency dispatching; successfully calling for the Highway 7 expansion between Kitchener and Guelph and advocating for roundabout testing on G2 and G road exams in Waterloo Region as a way to equip the next generation of drivers for our changing roads.Michael also serves as the PC Party Vice Chair of Community Outreach and the Progressive Conservative Environment Critic. In this role, Michael has fought for greater environmental protection using a market-based approach that empowers individuals, not government bureaucracy. He has called for bold reforms to overhaul the province’s recycling programs, which would unleash private-sector ingenuity and divert more hazardous materials and old electronics from Ontario’s landfills. Grounding Michael’s politics is a strong belief that government should remain accountable to the people it serves. Michael took a major step toward improving accountability in the Ontario government last year when he introduced his private member’s bill, Transparency in Government Bills Act, which would require the government to assess the financial, social and environmental implications of its proposed laws and post its findings online for all Ontarians to view.Born and raised on the family farm, Michael is a proud graduate of Conestoga College’s Business Management program and the Leadership Waterloo Region program. Prior to his election, Michael was a business development manager at Honeywell helping local businesses improve their sustainability and energy efficiency.Michael has applied the same solutions-driven approach to his life-long interest in good government and public policy, including through his service on the Greater Kitchener Chamber of Commerce’s Energy and Environment Committee. Michael also spearheaded Kitchener City Council’s drive to expand public access to life-saving defibrillator technology throughout the community.Michael enjoys volunteering in the community and has met many of his closest friends through volunteer service with local organizations including Compass Kitchener, the Women’s Crisis Services of Waterloo Region, Anselma House, the Canadian Cancer Society, the United Way, the Juvenile Diabetes Walk to Cure Campaign, and the Heart & Stroke Foundation.Michael, Sarah, Brayden, Murphy, Lincoln and their dog Eliot live in Kitchener’s Doon South.

Friday, March 27, 2015

Almighty
and eternal God, You know the longings of the hearts of men. In Your
goodness, you have watched over Ernie Hardeman for many years in
his role as MPP for Oxford. I pray that you will continue to bless him.
May his faithful service to Ontarians contribute to their continued
freedom, security, and peace. O God, I pray you will continue to
personally bless him and his family as he serves the
people.

BIOGRAPHY

Ernie Hardeman was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in June, 1995 and was appointed as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing until 1999. He was re-elected in June 1999 and was appointed by Premier Harris to Cabinet as Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. He served in this position until February 2001.

From March 2001 to May 2002, Mr. Hardeman held the office of Parliamentary Assistant to the Deputy Premier and Minister of Finance. In this capacity he was responsible for the SuperBuild program and sat on the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation as the government representative. In May 2002, Mr. Hardeman became Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Community, Family and Children’s Services.

On February 25, 2003 Mr. Hardeman’s long municipal background and rural knowledge was recognized by Premier Ernie Eves when he was asked to join Cabinet as the Associate Minister to Municipal Affairs (Rural).

Ernie was re-elected in June 2014 and is the longest serving MPP in Oxford’s history. Ernie is been a member of the Official Opposition, where he has served as the critic for Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and is now critic for Municipal Affairs and Housing.

Prior to the 1995 election, Mr. Hardeman had a long career in municipal politics in Southwestern Ontario. He was first elected to the Township of South-West Oxford council in 1980 and, later, served as mayor from 1988 to 1994. Mr. Hardeman is also a former warden of Oxford County council and has served as chair of the Warden's Association of Ontario.

On the provincial scene, Mr. Hardeman served as chair of the Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) in 1993 and 1994. He served on the board of the Association of Municipalities of Ontario for five years from 1989 to 1994 and, during that time, also served as chair of the A.M.O. 911 Committee and co-chair of the Municipalities in the Future Task Force.

Mr. Hardeman, who owned and operated Hardeman Feed Ltd. in Salford from 1966 to 1995, has served on many other local committees and community boards, including the Alexandra Hospital Board of Trust in Ingersoll and the Woodingford Lodge Board of Trust in Woodstock. For 25 years Mr. Hardeman was a volunteer firefighter and retired in 1995 as Captain of the South-West Oxford Fire Department. He and his wife, Reta, have three sons and a daughter.

Thursday, March 26, 2015

Father, we come before You with thanksgiving for the men
and women that serve us in the Ontario Legislative Assembly. We lift up MPP
Michael Gravelle to You and ask You to pour out Your blessings on him and his
family. Be with him Lord, as he serves on government committees and in his constituency
of Thunder Bay – Superior North. Open his eyes to new possibilities as he
travels and talks to people of our province. Renew his strength and vision for
the work You have called him to do. We ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

BIOGRAPHY

Michael Gravelle represents the riding of Thunder Bay – Superior North. He was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 1995 representing the riding of Port Arthur and is currently serving his sixth consecutive term as M.P.P.

Gravelle was reappointed Minister of Northern Development and Mines in June 2014. He has served as the Minister of Natural Resources, Minister of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry, Government Caucus Chair and as a member of the Priorities and Planning Board.Gravelle has long been a dedicated community member, with an accomplished political and public service record. He is co-founder of the North of Superior Film Association and has served on the boards of the Magnus Theatre Company and the AIDS Committee of Thunder Bay. In the 1970s, Gravelle served as special assistant to the Honourable Robert Andras, a senior minister in the Trudeau cabinet. He later served as communications officer for the leader of the Ontario Liberal Party and as a special assistant to the federal member for Thunder Bay-Nipigon. He also worked as a publicist for the CBC and as coordinator of Northern Development Councils for the Ministry of Northern Development, Mines and Forestry.

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Father we thank you that you have placed France Gelinas to
represent the Nickel Belt region in the Ontario Legislature. We pray that you
would give her wisdom as she fulfills her roles and a heart for the people that
she is representing and making decisions for. We pray this in Jesus name. Amen!

BIOGRAPHY

France Gélinas is a resident of the City of Greater Sudbury, a health care professional, and community leader. She and her spouse Keith Harris have three children and seven grand children.

France is a trained and licensed physiotherapist. She started her career in Sudbury at Laurentian Hospital, now part of Health Sciences North. After graduating from Laurentian University with a Masters in Business Administration, she became a health care administrator. During the last eleven years France worked as the Executive Director of the Community Health Centre in Sudbury. Under her leadership the Centre expanded to many small and rural communities in the North East, opened the Corner Clinic serving the homeless population and became the lead agency for the Sudbury Homelessness Network.

France has served in multiple voluntary roles. She was a member of the United Way’s Citizen Advisory Panel, President of the Sudbury and Manitoulin District Health Council, President of the Francophone Reference Group of the Northern Ontario School of Medicine, and President of the Association of Ontario Health Centres. France is also a bush pilot, a competitive rower and an avid snow boarder.

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Lord, we ask You to bless Lisa Gretzky, MPP for Windsor West in the many duties she fulfills. Give her clarity and the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be for the benefit of the constituents of Windsor West and the people of our province. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware of Your love and care for them. In Jesus name, Amen.

BIOGRAPHY

Lisa Gretzky is the Provincial MPP for Windsor West, and serves as the NDP critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services.Prior to her election in 2014, she served as:

The vice-chair of the Greater Essex Country District School Board.

A trustee who served over 36,000 students and helped manage a $290 million dollar budget.

An entrepreneur who ran her own event planning business

A committed community leader who championed (and still does!) many causes and charity organizations throughout Windsor

Monday, March 23, 2015

Thank you Lord for Wayne Gates MPP for Niagara Falls and his service to
the people of this province. We pray that Your hand would continue to
guide his life and bless his work. Make him aware of those who genuinely
need his help and enable him to contribute to their well-being. Give him
the strength and endurance he needs and let him know that his efforts
are appreciated. Bless his family with health and wholeness and may they
be aware of Your presence in their lives. In Jesus name, Amen.

• make life more affordable by taking the HST off of your hydro and home heating bill• defend accessible healthcare for all our communities• deliver daily, year-round GO service to the region• create and keep local jobs by rewarding job creators with tax credits and by promoting a “Buy Ontario” policy to support farmers, wineries and the manufacturing sector• fight for a long-term deal to keep the Fort Erie Racetrack open

Wayne and his wife Rita live in Niagara Falls. They are the proud parents of three daughters and grandparents of five grandchildren. They all make their home in the Niagara Region.https://www.facebook.com/waynegatesniagara/info

Friday, March 20, 2015

Lord we ask you to bless Jennifer French the MPP for
Oshawa. We pray for direction and wisdom. Cause her to know the joy
and fulfillment of serving the people of this province. Fill her
heart with grace and peace that you alone can give, and may her family be aware
also of your love and care at all times. In Christ’s
Name, Amen.

BIOGRAPHY

First elected in June 2014, Jennifer French is the MPP representing Oshawa.As a dedicated educator, Jennifer has over ten years’ experience teaching in Ontario and abroad. She actively gives back to her community as an advocate for equity and social justice, and is invested in community theatre and the arts in Oshawa.

Jennifer also has a committed record fighting for workers’ rights. She has been a member of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario (ETFO) in Durham, and is actively involved with the Ontario Federation of Labour and the Durham Region Labour Council. In her role with her ETFO local team, Jennifer organized the far-reaching campaign against Bill 115 and coordinated with groups across the province to have the legislation repealed.Jennifer works hard to ensure that people have access to good jobs, a strong publicly-funded education system, and a voice in their community. She is a strong advocate for the people of Oshawa and is committed to bringing meaningful change to her community.

Thursday, March 19, 2015

Thank you
Lord for MPP John Fraser from the riding of Ottawa South and for his service to
the people of this province. We pray that Your hand would continue to guide his
life and bless his work. Make him aware of those who genuinely need his help
and enable him to contribute to their well-being. Give him the strength and
endurance he needs and let him know that his efforts are appreciated. Bless his
family with health and wholeness and may they be aware of Your presence in
their lives. In Jesus name, Amen

BIOGRAPHY

John Fraser is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Ottawa South. A life-long resident of Ottawa South, born and raised in Elmvale Acres and Alta Vista, John attended school here, began his career here and raised his family here.

John understands the challenges that businesses face, having spent 18 years managing small and medium sized local businesses before entering public service. For the last 14 years, John has served alongside Dalton McGuinty in Ottawa South, working to bring community-based solutions to the issues of importance to the people that live and work here. Among these are the expansion of the Ottawa Regional Cancer Centre, the redevelopment of St. Patrick’s Home, programming for children’s mental health and youth addiction and the expansion of our community centres and programs.Deeply committed to the community he has called home for over 50 years, John has been an active volunteer in a number of local organizations and initiatives. He spearheaded the Our Children, Our Hospital campaign to save the Cardiac Care Unit at CHEO and organized a fundraiser which raised $20,000 for the Heron Road Emergency Food Bank. For a number of years, he served as a palliative care volunteer at the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital and as a coach to the Canterbury Mustangs Football Team.John is married to his high school sweetheart, Linda, also a lifelong resident of Ottawa South and they have three grown children, Kïrsten, John Jr. and James.

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Lord we pray for Cindy Forster MPP from Welland. Renew her strength and vision for the work You have called her to do. We pray for wisdom, courage, integrity, strength, blessing and righteousness to be poured on her that she may help to give good leadership to our province. In Jesus Name we pray, Amen.

BIOGRAPHYCindy Forster is the Member of Provincial Parliament for Welland. She was elected on October 6th, 2011.

A lifelong Welland resident, and Registered Nurse, Cindy is an expert in keeping her community healthy. Now serving as the MPP, Cindy has been a mainstay in the Welland community for many years. She previously served as the Mayor of Welland, as a Niagara Regional Councillor, a Director of the Public Library Board, on the Welland Hydro Corporation and the Welland Economic Development Corporation.As mayor, Cindy took to heart Welland’s tradition of standing up for itself by holding the line on municipal taxes, helping library workers achieve pay equity and attracting employers like Convergys to the city.Cindy is excited to represent the riding of Welland at Queen’s Park and to make life more affordable for her constituents.http://www.cindyforster.ca/bio/

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Father, we come before You with thanksgiving
for the men and women that serve us in the Parliament of the Province of
Ontario. We lift up MPP: Kevin Flynn of Oakville to You and ask You to pour out
Your blessings on him and his family. Be with him Lord, as he serves the people
of his riding. In Jesus Name. Amen.

BIOGRAPHY

Kevin Flynn is an outspoken advocate for the residents of Oakville. A small business-owner, Kevin served as an Oakville councillor for 18 years.

Dedicated to his community, Kevin has been president of Halton’s Children’s Aid Society, a Big Brothers mentor, a coach and an environmental advocate.First elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003, Kevin has delivered Oakville a new, state-of-the-art hospital, new schools for Clearview and St. Thomas Aquinas and an expansion to the QEW.His advocacy also helped stop plans for a power plant in Oakville, advocated for initiatives in Oakville that is resulting in cleaner air and is working on expanding the Greenbelt further into Oakville.Kevin also served as Chair of the all-party Select Committee on Mental Health and Addictions that helped lead to the province bringing forward a comprehensive mental health and addictions strategy.Currently, Kevin Flynn is the Chief Government Whip and the Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation and the Minister of Infrastructure.Kevin and his wife, Janice, have one son, Nigel.

Monday, March 16, 2015

Lord, surround Catherine Fife, MPP for
Kitchener-Waterloo today and in the
coming days with Your wisdom and guidance. May her thoughts and plans be
established by You. Give her the ability to discern what is of real value. May
she be filled with compassion and be aware of the needs of the people in her
constituency and how to meet them. Bless her family members and may love and
faithfulness never leave them. May they win favor and a good name with all
people. Amen

BIOGRAPHY

Catherine is in her first term as representative for Kitchener-Waterloo.For the past decade, Catherine worked tirelessly on behalf of the families of Kitchener-Waterloo to help improve the quality and their access to education. She served as Trustee and Chair of the Waterloo Region District School Board, Vice President of the Canadian School Boards’ Association, and President of the Ontario Public School Boards’ Association. She met the challenge of these roles by successfully balancing a 675 million dollar budget for an organization serving 60,000 students and 5,500 staff.

Beyond these accomplishments, Catherine has made a real impact on the lives of children and parents across Waterloo Region. Through her leadership, an additional 1,600 new childcare spaces were created in the region at no additional cost to Waterloo Region taxpayers. The Waterloo Elementary Teachers and Wilfrid Laurier University’s Social Innovation Research Group have recognized Catherine’s work in Kitchener-Waterloo throughout the years.Catherine and her husband Dale enjoy life in Kitchener-Waterloo, where they live with their two great kids, Aidan and Claire.

Friday, March 13, 2015

Lord, we ask You to bless Victor Fedeli MPP
for Nipissing in the many
duties he fulfills. Give him clarity and the ability to make good decisions.
Lead him into opportunities that will be for the benefit of the constituents of
Parkdale Hyde Park and the people of our province. Fill his heart with your
grace and peace and may his family be aware of Your love and care for them.
InChrist’s name,Amen.

BIOGRAPHYVictor Fedeli was born in North Bay on August 8, 1956. He is married to Patty (Kelly), another North Bay native. His mother Lena still lives in North Bay. His brother Peter, wife Elizabeth, and daughter Maggie also make North Bay their home. His sister Teresa and her family live in Montreal.After 5 years at Scollard Hall, Vic attended Conestoga College in Kitchener (and later Nipissing University), worked at an advertising agency in London, and moved home in 1978 to open his own wildly-successful company, Fedeli Advertising.

Vic has a long and distinguished record of public service. On an international level, he has served as a Director of Global Vision. He has been a Director of the Province's Northern Businesses Support System, and Ontario's Northern Development Council. Locally, he was elected to 10 terms on the North Bay and District Chamber of Commerce, serving as President in 1986. He sat on most of the City's boards and commissions, often as Chairman. The Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal was awarded to Vic in 2002, and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012. It was awarded to those persons who have made a significant contribution to Canada, to their community, and to their fellow Canadians.

When the Federal Government downsized CFB North Bay, the city turned to Vic to lead Air Base Property Corporation. He worked as the Dollar-A-Year Chairman for seven years, until his term expired in 2002. Successor Chairman, David Butti, presented Vic with 7 silver dollars; one for each year of volunteer service. He was named North Bay's Citizen of the Year in 1999, the same year he was awarded Rotary International's Paul Harris Fellowship in recognition of his community service.

In 2003, as a first-time candidate, Vic ran for Mayor and was elected with a 75% majority. He was re-elected in 2006, with a 2nd landslide victory.

In 2011, Vic ran as Ontario MPP for the riding of Nipissing, and won with a landslide.

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Father
we lift up Christine Elliot to you today. We ask that you use her in the role
as MPP for Whitby Oshawa riding.We ask that you give her wisdom in the
decisions she makes while at Queens Park. We pray a blessing upon her family.
Lord may you show your love to her like she has never experienced before. We
ask this in the name of Jesus your Son, AMEN!

BIOGRAPHY

Christine Elliott entered politics when she won the March 2006 by-election for the riding of Whitby-Ajax, and was re-elected in 2007 for the riding of Whitby-Oshawa. Christine is currently Deputy Leader of the Official Opposition and Critic for the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care and Mental Health Reform.

Prior to entering politics, Christine was a founding member and partner of Flaherty Dow Elliott & McCarthy, with offices in Whitby, Toronto and Ottawa, where she practised real estate, corporate and estate law. A graduate of the University of Western Ontario, she was called to the Ontario Bar in 1980.Active in her community, Christine is widely known for her commitment to the rights of people with special needs, a role she relishes and for which she has won numerous awards. In 2005, she received Whitby’s Peter Perry Award, an annual recognition of Whitby’s outstanding citizen. Prior to that she became a Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, their highest award, in recognition of her pro bono legal work.Christine is the co-founder and Director of the Abilities Centre, a multi-purpose sports, recreation and performing arts facility for people with special needs, which opened in June 2012. She is also a Past Director and Chair of Grandview Children’s Centre and a Past Director of the Lakeridge Health Whitby Foundation. She has served as a Director and Board President of Durham Mental Health Services (DMHS) and was recognized when it named one of their group homes in her honour (Elliott House). She is a Director of Legacy Private Trust and has been a Director of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Toronto Symphony Orchestra.Christine lives in Whitby with her sons John, Galen and Quinn.

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Heavenly Father, in Jesus Name, I lift up Garfield Dunlop MPP for
Simcoe North and ask that you will give him wisdom and strength. I pray that You will give him discernment,
understanding, and knowledge so that our province may know stability, integrity
and prosperity, so that we might lead peaceable lives in godliness and honesty.
I ask your blessing on his family, that they too will experience health and
wholeness as they live out their lives in this great province. AmenBIOGRAPHYGarfield Dunlop, a lifelong resident of the Village of Coldwater, was elected to the Ontario legislature on June 3, 1999 as the Member of Provincial Parliament for the riding of Simcoe North. Mr. Dunlop served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Education and Government House Leader from March 2001 until April 2002, when he was appointed by former Premier Ernie Eves to the position of Parliamentary Assistant to the Premier/Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs with responsibility for Caucus Relations.Since the provincial election in 2003, Mr. Dunlop has served as the Chief Opposition Whip, PC Critic for Community Safety and Correctional Services, PC Critic for Skilled Trades and Apprenticeship Reform and is currently PC Critic for Training, Colleges and Universities as well as Critic for Education.After attending elementary and secondary school in Simcoe North, and university in Waterloo, Mr. Dunlop entered the family business, Glen Dunlop Plumbing, Heating and Supplies Ltd., in 1971.In 1980, Mr. Dunlop began a career in municipal politics when he was elected councillor for the Village of Coldwater. From 1982 until 1994, he was reeve of the village.In 1994, after the County of Simcoe was restructured, Mr. Dunlop was elected Deputy Mayor of the Township of Severn, where he served until the 1999 provincial election. He was Warden of Simcoe County in 1998, overseeing Local Services Realignment. He also chaired the Planning Services Committee, which between 1995 and 1997 developed the County of Simcoe Official Plan.Mr. Dunlop and his wife Jane have two grown children, Andrew and Jill. They also have three granddaughters: Rachel, Karley, and Madison.Garfield and Jane are involved in many local organizations. In particular, they initiated the original town hall meeting, which resulted in the purchase of Coldwater's historic gristmill, saving it from demolition.http://www.garfielddunlopmpp.com/about.htm

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Father
we give praise for your goodness and blessing on our province. We thank you for
Brad Duguid, MPP for Scarborough Centre. As he represents the people of Ontario
and serves as a representative at Queens Park, grant him strength, health and
wisdom and he leads. Be glorified in all things we pray in Jesus Name.

Brad Duguid has been a passionate advocate for the Scarborough community for many years through his work on City Council and now as the MPP for Scarborough Centre.

He served as a City Councillor for nine years, and was a strong voice for the residents of Scarborough and Toronto, serving in a number of key posts throughout that time.

Brad was appointed as the Minister of Training, Colleges and Universities in February of 2013. In this role, he is working closely with students and the post-secondary sector to build a globally competitive post-secondary education system to meet the needs of our students. He is also vigorously engaged in transforming Ontario’s training system to meet the demands of Ontario’s economy.

Prior to this, Brad served as Ontario's Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, during which time he focused on creating jobs, promoting Ontario as a smart place to invest, building a culture of entrepreneurship and growing a strong, innovative economy.

Previously, as Ontario's Minister of Energy, Brad Duguid launched Ontario's Long-Term Energy Plan – an ambitious plan that builds on Ontario's commitment to a clean and reliable energy system – and the cleaner air, jobs and economic growth associated with it.

As Minister of Aboriginal Affairs, Minister Duguid worked tirelessly to make Ontario a national leader in Aboriginal issues, while building stronger relationships with First Nation, Metis and Inuit communities. He launched PLAY – a program for aboriginal youth using participation in sports and activities to teach life-skills, which now serves over 1,000 young people.

Brad has lived in Scarborough most of his life. He graduated from the University of Toronto, Scarborough Campus. He continues to reside in Scarborough with his wife Crystal and two sons, Kennedy and Jordan.

Monday, March 9, 2015

Lord, surround Ha Dong MPP for Trinity Spadina today
and in the coming days with Your wisdom and guidance. May his thoughts and
plans be established by You. Give him the ability to discern what is of real
value. May he be filled with compassion and be aware of the needs of the people
in his constituency and how to meet them. Bless his family members and may
love and faithfulness never leave them. May they win favor and a good name with
all people. Amen

Han Dong has lived in Trinity-Spadina for over 13 years and has been an active member of this community.

Arriving in Toronto at age thirteen with his family from mainland China, Han’s parents instilled in him the importance of being active members of their new community in Toronto, as well as a firm belief that a commitment to family and hard work would be the guiding principles he would need to accomplish his dreams and aspirations.

Han carried these principles forward while excelling academically at Jarvis Collegiate and studying Economics and Political Science at the University of Toronto.In his eight years working at Queen’s Park he has established himself as a trusted and experienced community organizer. He has heard and helped countless numbers of Ontarians to navigate complex issues in their dealings with the government.

In the community, Han served as a key advisor to the Canada Shanghai Business Association, and volunteered with the Philippine Independence Day Council, the Toronto International Dragon Boat Race Festival and numerous local Trinity-Spadina seniors’ resources centres.

Before his involvement in government, Han was a Marketing Director for Chianti Foods, responsible for planning, development and implementation of all of Chianti’s marketing strategies, communications, and public relations activities. After improving the company’s overall structure Han oversaw the development and implementation of the company’s overseas functions.

Han and Sophie are raising their children in Trinity-Spadina, where they attend local public schools.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Lord, we ask You to bless Cheri DiNovo MPP for Parkdale Hyde
Park in the many duties she fulfills. Give her clarity and
the ability to make good decisions. Lead her into opportunities that will be
for the benefit of the constituents of Parkdale Hyde Park and the people of our
province. Fill her heart with your grace and peace and may her family be aware
of Your love and care for them. InChrist’s name,Amen

Rev. Dr. Cheri DiNovo is the Member of Provincial Parliament of Parkdale – High Park. First elected into the Ontario Legislature in a by-election in 2006, she was re-elected in 2007, 2011 and 2014. She is currently the Caucus Chair of the Ontario NDP and the critic to LGBTQ Issues, GTA Issues and Urban Transportation. Cheri is best known for her $10 minimum wage campaign, through which over a million Ontarians saw their income increase by 28% over three years, and as the “Queen of tri-party bills” for tabling the most bills in the Legislature that have all three party’s support. She was voted Best MPP and Runner-Up Best MPP by NOW Magazine. In 2012, she succeeded in getting Toby’s Act passed, an amendment to the Ontario Humans Rights Code to include gender identity and gender expression; the first of its kind in North America. She has also been honoured to be the Grand Marshal in Toronto’s celebrated World Pride Festival. In addition, she has proposed a bill to fast-track benefits for workers suffering from PTSD that has been included on the front page of the Toronto Star. Cheri is an ordained United Church Minister who performed the first legalized same sex marriage. Cheri also founded Girls’ Government, a non-partisan initiative aimed at getting young girls engaged in the political process. As a critic for Citizenship and Immigration, Cheri fought for the rights of internationally trained professionals to have their degrees and experiences recognized when immigrating to Ontario. Cheri has also been a staunch advocate for Tibetans, Roma, Ukrainian and other immigrant communities in Parkdale-High Park and Ontario. She is the winner of 2 major awards – the Lambda in Washington, D.C. for spirituality and religion for her book Queerying Evangelism, and the Award of Merit by the government of Ukraine for her work on Canada’s first tri-party bill recognizing the Holodomor as genocide. Cheri has also received the Community Hero award from Jer’s Vision and the Rainbow Health Advocate Award.

Wednesday, March 4, 2015

Thank You, Lord for Joe Dickson MPP for Ajax-Pickering and
for his service to the people of this province. We pray
that Your hand would continue to guide his life and bless his work. Make him
aware of those who genuinely need his help and enable him to contribute to
their well-being. Give him the strength and endurance he needs and let him know
that his efforts are appreciated. Bless his family with health and wholeness
and may he be aware of Your presence in his life. In Jesus name, Amen

In 2014, Joe Dickson was re-elected for a third term as the MPP of Ajax-Pickering and appointed Ontario’s Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Northern Development & Mines (Including the Ring of Fire).Joe Dickson was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2007, representing the riding of Ajax-Pickering. Before entering provincial politics, he served as the Councillor for Ajax in Ward 2.For over 40 years, Dickson has devoted himself to serving his community. He began in local politics as a 2 term Catholic School Board Trustee in 1969 and 1970. His public service also includes 7 terms as an Ajax Councillor, and 1 term as Regional Councillor and Deputy-Mayor of Ajax. Along the way, Joe has chaired or initiated over 41 non-profit community groups and boards.

As a successful small businessman, Joe Dickson understands the needs of that sector of our economy and the concerns of the community for its economic well being. As a teenager, 53 years ago he started Dickson Printing, eventually becoming the Canadian chairman of the Stationers Marketingof Canada, a group of 47 office product retailers in ten provinces. Joe was also elected to the Canadian Office Products Association (COPA) Executive.

A devoted community volunteer, Joe has founded or chaired many charitable and civic organizations, including: Durham’s Waste Reduction Week Challenge; Easter Seals Timmy Dinner; Industrial Cancer Drive; Kinsmen Skate-A-Thon; Ajax Home Week (now in its 44th year); Ajax Environmental Affairs Week, and at 15 years is the longest serving Chair ever of the Ajax Waterfront Committee. Truly Joe has earned his nickname as “Mr. Ajax”.

Joe Dickson has always been a strong supporter of healthy exercise and athletic competition for both young and old. He continues to sponsor an average of 22 children’s, women’s and men’s sports teams annually. Dickson has sponsored over 1,000 teams here for 52 years, including baseball, basketball, bowling, softball, soccer, hockey, ringette and lacrosse. These sports are at various youth levels including rep, house league, and all-star, as well as men’s, women’s and old-timer’s divisions.Dickson’s dedication and service to the community has been recognized by numerous awards, including the Queen Elizabeth 50th Anniversary Medal in 2002, in addition to Canada’s 125th anniversary medal in 1992 and the Ajax Civic Award as the outstanding citizen of the year. Recently, he was honoured to receive the 2012 Queen’s 60th Anniversary Diamond Jubilee Medal. Joe Dickson’s commitment to you and to our community has gone far beyond the political world.During his first term as MPP, 2007 to 2011, Dickson served as Government Deputy Whip. Following his re-election in 2011 as the MPP for Ajax-Pickering, he was appointed Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Seniors. In 2013 with the new government of Premier, Kathleen Wynne, Joe was immediately appointed to the busy position of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Natural Resources. Shortly thereafter, Joe was appointed to the position of Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister Responsible for Citizenship & Immigration and was asked to Chair with Helen Burstyn, the Ontario Volunteer Strategy including roundtable discussions across Ontario, by Premier Wynne. The final report is due this fall.Joe was born the oldest of 10 children to Mary and Lou Dickson shortly before the family moved to Ajax. He has lived in Ajax his entire life with his wife of 49 years, Donna. They are proud to have two grown children, Jim (Elaine) and Joanna (David) and 5 grandchildren. Joe Dickson’s life of service and commitment to the Ajax-Pickering community has been and continues to be a rewarding one.

Father, we are thankful for Vic Dhillon MPP for Brampton
West. Continue to give him vision, direction and steps necessary
to move our province forward. We pray that he would be a strength, support and
encouragement to his party leader. Keep his family unified and protected. In
the name of Jesus, AmenVic Dhillon is a compassionate advocate for our community who understands that we need a strong economy to support the public services that you depend on.

Vic was first elected to the Ontario legislature in 2003. Since that time, he has successfully fought to protect transient workers at risk of exploitation; support small business owners; and build economic ties internationally so that we can better fund our schools, hospitals and services for seniors.Prior to joining government, Vic established a family-owned business. He knows how to stick to a budget, and he understands what small business owners need – and their important role in job creation in our community.Compassionate at heart, Vic has worked tirelessly to help those who are less fortunate in our community. He successfully led many non-profit fundraising campaigns for the local food bank, the Korean War Memorial, and a leading local group that helps regions after natural disasters (such as the ice storm in eastern Ontario, the earthquake in Pakistan and the tsunami in Asia). Vic has also been credited by some local residents as being instrumental in saving the Knight’s Table, a non-profit diner that provides meals for Brampton’s poor and homeless.Vic has lived in Brampton for most of his life. He and his wife, Shaminder, are raising their children here. They have two sons, Robin and Sajjan, and a daughter named Taj.Vic Dhillon was re-elected in the riding of Brampton West in October 2011. He was first elected in 2003. Dhillon has served as Parliamentary Assistant to the Minister of Transportation, the Minister of Government Services and the Minister Responsible for Seniors. He has also served on the Health, Education and Social Policy Committee. Prior to his election, he was executive assistant to Colleen Beaumier, MP for Brampton West-Mississauga. He also helped establish a family-owned business in Mississauga.An active member of his community, Dhillon has taken a leading role in a number of fundraising campaigns, including the Knight’s Table food bank, the Korean War Memorial and collecting much-needed supplies for the devastating ice storm in eastern Ontario, the tsunami in Asia and the earthquake in Pakistan.Dhillon has lived in Brampton for most of his life. He holds a Business Administration degree from Lakehead University and is a Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Fellow. He and his wife, Shaminder, have two sons, Robin and Sajjan, and a daughter, Taj.

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

Father, we thank You for the strength that You have given to
Steven Del Duca MPP for Vaughan ,strength of character, integrity and
the ability to understand the complexities that he faces in his every day life.
We ask that You would further strengthen him and that he would clearly see the
issues that stand before him as he makes decisions that will affect the people
of this province. In the name of Jesus, Amen

Vaughan MPP Steven Del Duca has a proven track record of outstanding community involvement and a clear dedication to public service. He was first elected to the Ontario Legislature in September 2012 in a provincial by-election. In less than two years he secured approval of the Highway 427 extension and delivered $49.7 million towards the Vaughan Hospital and $49 million for four new schools in Vaughan. Steven was re-elected in June 2014 and appointed as Ontario’s Minister of Transportation in Premier Kathleen Wynne’s cabinet.

Prior to his election as MPP, he was the fundraising chair for the 2008 Annual Vaughan Hospital Fundraising Gala, which raised over $1 million for the project. In 2008, he authored an op-ed in the Toronto Star calling for a regional economic summit to help Vaughan and surrounding areas deal with the global economic crisis. He worked with all levels of government, community leaders and organizations to establish the Greater Toronto Region Economic Summit, which took place in May 2009.

Del Duca obtained a Bachelor of Laws degree from Osgoode Hall Law School in 2007. Previously, he studied Political Science and Canadian History at the University of Toronto and Carleton University.

He first moved to Vaughan in 1987 when his family settled in Kleinburg. Today, he and his wife, together with their two daughters live in Woodbridge.

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